Cr*p, Engine Problems?

[doc4444]

Hello All:

I'm hoping that someone/anyone can help me diagnose my Automatic '98 V-6. It's got 106k and is my daily driver. Recently I noticed the engine "missing". Now I'm starting to notice almost ZERO acceleration when mashing the pedal to the floor. Correction sporadically (more often than not) I am noticing this. Would just needing new plugs cause this? My injectors should be fine, I run Chevron Fuel Injector Cleaner through a tank every 5k. About 6 months ago I cleaned and re-oiled my K&N air filter, so there should be no airflow problems. MAS? Possible change in climate now that WA. is getting a little more sun than rain (ie air not as dense with cold air from rain)? I am also noticing that when I go to accelerate real quickly then let up it sometimes feels like the car (? transmission) "misses" - kinda lurches forward and or steps down a gear too quickly. It used to do this smoothly before. I hope that makes sense. No sounds heard to speak of. Possible belt maybe? Please forgive me if my input seems laughable as I am not too mechanically inclined.

I thank you for any help that you can provide.

 

[tack]

If it's missing and losing alot of power it could be a number of things but I'd check plugs and wires first to see if it can be a cheap fix. One thing, next time you run your car, start it up and pop the hood. Is the engine shaking real bad? If it is, it might be cause a plug isn't firing.

Isn't it 98's that are bad at blowing heads too?

 

[Crai-zy horse]

It's the 94s and 95s that had the bad head problems. I think I'd need to know the sound and feel of the car to get a better idea, but if you slam the accelerator and nothing happens for a few seconds before downshifting and taking off then you might have some tranny problems. I'm not sure what exactly, but hopefully just incorrect fluid levels (I make no claim to be an expert, especially when it comes to automatic transmissions).

It could also be anything from incorrectly gapped sparkplugs or an EGR system malfunction, to breaks binding or vacuum leaks in the intake or elsewhere.

 

[doc4444]

Just a quick follow up to this story. I took out the old autolite platinum plus 4's I had in there and they were toast. I'm sure these were the problem. Three of the 6 have carbon build up on them and on two one of the prongs must've gotten superheated and almost collapsed onto the ceramic! Anywho, it looks like it's working fine now. THANK YOU to all who assisted me with this thread.

 

[98CobraClone]

also, since you've cleaned and re-oiled the air filter......get some electrical contact cleaner spray from an auto parts place and clean the contact inside the MAF. That may have gotten oil on it, causing the engine to run like poo, possibly fouling your plugs too

 

[Stangfanatic98]

, Clean off your MAF a little and make sure you put that dialectric compound on your plug boots. Preventive maintenance is always key

 

[steff746]

A good example

Hey guys. I had the exact same problem for some time and finally decided to do something about it. First I went to the shop to check the price for a full blown tune-up. Then I came here and read this thread. Luck me, I went straight to the parts store, got some plugs and presto, it's fixed and I have more money in my pocket. Thanks alot even if you didnt know you were helping others such a me. Now all I need is some good wires to finish this up and tackle a problem im having with my secondary air injection. Any suggestions for wires?